kwren

This question is a spin-off of a question posted in the Lounge but I thought I shouldn't hijack the topic.

We are considering two itineraries in Greece. Some stops will be at a beach. Others will give time to wander around the port in the evening. Pro and cons of each set?

#1 Kea, Delos, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Kythira, Monemvassia, Nafplion, Hydra

#2 Ios, Santorini, Patmos, Ephesis (I know that's in Turkey), Samos, Delos, Mykonos, Tinos, Kea, Sounion

So which would you prefer and why?

brotherleelove2004

Without knowing how many days you'll have to accomplish either one of your itineraries it's very difficult to make helpful comments with any degree of certainty except to say that they seem very disorganized and unrealistic. How much research have you done in terms of the time necessary to move from one island to the next? Are you aware that not all ferry connections can be made on a daily basis? When would you attempt to do this? Do you know that Delos is a protected world heritage site with no tourist accomodations, restaurants, etc.?

MmePerdu

Be sure to give more weight to the opinions of those, like brotherlee above, who spend a good deal of time in Greece.

I admit I've only been to 2 islands, Naxos & Santorini. I loved Naxos and didn't love Santorini. However, the question regarding "how long" is important. I tend to spend more time in any given place and that contributes to my preferences. But if you're going to Santorini to join a million others for a couple of days for the views, it's likely an ok choice. If you're going to hang out for a while, you may want to rethink some on your hypothetical itinerary.

Heimdall

If you have at least a month to travel you might be able to do those itineraries, but even then it would be pushing it. You don't say what time of year you are travelling, and that makes a difference, vis-a-vis ferry timetables.

Itinerary #1 would make the most sense if you did a circular route through the Cyclades to Crete, leaving Crete on the ferry that departs from Kissamos at the western tip of the island. You can get to Kythira from there, but I believe the ferry runs only once per week, even in summer. From Kythira you can proceed to the Peloponnese, then make your way up by road to the other destinations. There are frequent ferries from ports near Nafplio to Hydra, and also from Hydra to Piraeus.

Itinerary #2 would involve several long ferry rides between the Cyclades, Dodecanese, NE Aegean, and mainland Greece. It certainly can be done if you have the time and energy.

kwren

I'm so sorry that I was not complete in my question. I totally agree that this would be undoable if we had limited time, that the itineraries might be crazy and that the order might be lacking. I apologize! These are two itineraries with Variety Cruises: #1 on the Harmony V and #2 on the Panorama II. I tried to talk my husband into going to fewer islands using ferries, but he wants the cruise. Our compromise is to stay on Santorini a few days in addition to the cruise. We are talking about going in September.

We love scenery, wineries, touring ancient sites, sunsets (looking at Oia in Santorini for this reason so we don't have to battle the crowds.) The two cruises both have excursions on the couple of must see a couple of islands (for us) that I had researched and wanted to see, but I'm having trouble with the others. For example, Tinos and Patmos were both recommended to us, but are on different trips. I don't know how to choose so thought I'd jump in here. It hought I'd see if brotherleelove and others would chime in (thanks!) and help me sort it out.

mmeperdu - since you mentioned it, why didn't you like Santorini? Crowds?

I hope that helps! Any comments?

MmePerdu

Yes, kwren, the crowds, lack of interesting shops not just for tourists. I did enjoy getting on a local bus and riding out into the countryside for a day, but in general, I like places organized around the needs of the local population with adequate facilities for visitors. Not wholly one or the other. Santorini, around the caldera, seemed entirely about the tourists and at times the crowds in the main walking streets were unbearable. I was there in September.

If it's a stop on your cruise, fine, a beautiful setting. But if you're looking for a place to extend your time I'd move on, maybe even Turkey. Unless, of course, it's a quick step into the postcards that you like. Then, crowds aside, it'll be fine.

travelerjan

You should be aware that In September, the seas can be much rougher than in early Summer -- May or June are best for those smaller-vessel cruises, because the Aegean is very smooth then. I am not talking about upset tummy, I'm talking about the boats' inability to dock due to wind-water tumult , and thus missing out on promised islands. Look on some of the cruise reports for Variety ... I remember people writing of being very disappointed due to this. This does not mean rainy weather -- it can be fine and sunshiny, yet heavy seas for small boats.

That risk is one argument for doing island-hopping via regular large ferries. If you feel diffident about planning your own arrangements there are several Greece-based travel agencies that have very good reputations for working with N. Americans via e-mail (Dolphin-Hellas, Aegean Thesaurus, Fantasy Travel. And if your husband likes the cruise concept, you could plan an itinerary that gave you an overnight in a stateroom for 2 on a large modern vessel ... one example would be Knossos Palace, from Piraeus to Heraklion in Crete. After a stay in Crete, you could take a fast-ferry to Santorini, then sail overnight to Rhodes. Etc.

stanbr

We stayed in a little village called Finikia just a kilometer from Oia.
While it did not have the Caldera view it did have a 180 degree ocean view at half the price of Oia. It was also quiet.
Every morning we would walk into Oia and wander around until around 10 to 11 o'clock about 15 buses arrived carrying cruise ship people. Every evening crowds jam the village to watch the sunset.
Oi is not a quiet place when the cruise ship crowds are there. It is quiet before and after they depart each day.
If you decide to spend additional time in Oia be sure to get a hotel with the caldera/sunset view so you can sit on your balcony until all the crowds depart.
Personally I think Santorini is a must see island but two or three days is enough for me.
Here are images of Santorini most were taken in Oia and Finikia.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr...7632154800782/

Heimdall

Okay, that explains it. When I wrote it would take a month to complete the itinerary I was assuming you would pause for a few days on each island to enjoy them. If you are happy to spend most of your time at sea with hours instead of days at each port, then go for it. You will get a snapshot of each port, but little or no time to see the interior of the island.

Travelerjan is correct that sometimes small-ship cruises alter their itineraries due to weather. You may complete the entire itinerary, or perhaps you won't. Sometimes port calls are cut short when the ship is behind schedule. Before you make up your mind, have a look at the reviews in http://www.cruisecritic.co.uk/review...uiseLineID=124.

kwren

travelerjan - some interesting points you bring up...we will consider. Thanks for pointing them out.

<<If you decide to spend additional time in Oia be sure to get a hotel with the caldera/sunset view so you can sit on your balcony until all the crowds depart.>> Exactly what we were going for. We also planned on getting out of Oia during the day. The hike to Fira, vineyard trip, go to see the ruins on the other end of the island. Were thinking of about 3 full days there max so we're on the same page. By the way, beautiful pictures. Makes me want to go all the more!

Heimdall - when I said I initially said I wanted to go on ferries between islands, it was for the reason you mentioned - I was thinking that for me, there was not enough time spent on each island with a cruise of this nature and it seemed too rushed. However, these small ships seem to spend more time at the ports or stopped for swimming, not at sea. I'm thinking the larger cruise lines spend more time out of the ports and that's what we wanted to avoid. Some of the islands have excursions to the interior of the islands too. A snapshot isn't always so bad. I still want to go spend time on many of the islands, but maybe in the future, and since the islands seem to be fairly different unlike Caribbean islands, this could be looked at as a relaxing intro and getting to know a small group of people on board. Something to be said for this aspect, although it would be very different from taking the large ferries and spending more time on fewer islands. Our normal travel style is to spend more time in fewer locations so this would definitely be a departure from the usual for us, not always a bad thing.

There was one review which said that a couple that the writer had met had taken these cruises 3 times and had yet to get to Mykonos due to weather related problems. I went to go back to the reviews I had already seen to see if the problems occurred the same time of year, but didn't really see much (of course there weren't that many reviews)

On the other hand, I already told DH we may need to review our plans based on the above discussion and give up the cruise and go back to considering just a couple of islands. We have some thinking to do.

One thing about us is that we have gone on cruises during hurricane season despite our families' warnings that it could ruin our cruise. We've been fine, but the reason I like an exchange like this is that we go into things with our eyes open and have assessed some of the risks knowing that our plans could change unexpectedly. We have to decide what risk we are willing to take and how we would feel if the plans did change. I guess we've gambled on things like this in the past. I wouldn't want to sit in one or two ports the entire time though so we are going to really look at this. I appreciate all the advice.

It seems like no one has a definite opinion on either itinerary?

It also seems that it would be hard to get consensus on which 2 islands to go to if we scrapped the cruise idea. I want to go to Santorini. Also wanted Delos, but that would seem difficult given no hotels? Is that a good day trip from another nearby island that might be good for a few days? Any other suggestions?

HappyTrvlr

For your extra time on one island I wouldn't go to Santorini, rather Paros or Naxos. I didn't like Santorini the first time we went and liked it even less the second time.

travelerjan

Your cruises in or near hurricane season have worked because they were ships with 2500 or 3000 passenger capacity. The Harmony vessels may have as few as 50-75. No comparison. If you scrap the cruise idea & just do some research you will find that your wishes are already very possible, Just an example:
• USAir direct o'nite flight to ATH (I see u are from PA as am I), arrive 9:15. 11:30 or noon flight to SANTORINI ... you'd be in a hotel overlooking the caldera by 2 PM latest!
• 3+ day exploring Santorini
• Afternoon ferry ride (on modern LARGE Blue Star ferry w 1500+ capacity, wide deck areas for sunny seating), for 2+ hour ride to NAXOS island -- beautiful beaches, fascinating port town, castles, ancient ruins, cafes & nightlife... island has dramatic inland landscapes, fertile groves, even a fall wine festival. Plenty to occupy at least 3-4 days
• Your BONUS: a 2x week day excursion to Mykonos AND Delos -- only 2 islands (Naxos & Paros) offer these dedicated excursion vessel trips
• Moving on - if you want Islnd #3, PAROS is just 1 hour away, again with a port town of many discoveries. From here you can either Fly back to ATHENS, or take a 4-hour ferry.
• ATHENS - in a boutique hotel in a traffic-free area near the Acropolis, you could see famous landmarks at your own pace for 2 days or so, and buy some treasures to bring home.

NOTE -- All these places have a variety of hotel accommodations according to your budget and wishes. In Santorini, a caldera view is what you'll want -- in Naxos, an upscale place right on the beach adjoining Naxos Town; many choices in Paros.

The agencies I mentioned could handle all the details for you, so your husband could have the care-free arrangement that a cruise offers, and you both could have an in-depth island experience

Mimar

The whole island of Delos is an archeological site. It can be visited by ferry from Mykonos. From what I hear, direct boats from Naxos are no longer available.

Santorini is very touristy but with a reason: it's very beautiful. Not a place I'd skip just because it's popular.

travelerjan

Mimar, when you say "from what I hear," to what are you referring? Yes, there are not regular ferries to Delos. But there are 2 companies with dedicated excursion vessels -- Naxos star and MV Alexandros -- that each run DAY trips picking up passengers from both Paros AND Naxos -- and that go to Delos in AM, and Mykonos after 1 pm. These trips are offered 2x week from Early May through September and have done so for many years.

Heimdall

Kwren, if you decide to take the small-boat cruise you will probably have a wonderful time — I just wanted you to be aware of the possibilities. The Aegean Sea has a phenomenon called Meltemi, when high and low pressure systems combine to cause strong northerly winds. The Meltemi can occur for several days at a time, and is at its worst in July and August, but can also happen in June and September. When the Meltemi occurs, small ships and ferries stay in port.

Travelerjan is correct about the excursion boats to Delos/Mykonos that operate out of Naxos and Paros. They run from May to September, but not during winter. Mykonos has shuttle boats that go several times each morning to Delos. The boats from Mykonos to Delos run all year round, on a reduced schedule during winter.

I prefer to base myself on Mykonos for trips to Delos, because the crossing takes only 30 minutes compared with a 10 hour day there and back from Naxos. As with all small boats, trips are cancelled when winds are strong.

Mimar

From what I hear refers to my fuzzy memory. The 2 excursion boats to which you refer, what exactly is their route? If a tourist goes from Naxos to Delos in the morning and then wants to return to Naxos after 1:00, does s/he have to go to Mykonos first?

Heimdall

Hi Mimar,

The same two boats, Naxos Star and Alexander, serve both Naxos and Paros. They leave Naxos first thing in the morning, then stop at Naoussa on Paros to pick up passengers there. The boats then go to Delos in the morning, stay for about 3 hrs, then move on to Mykonos. They leave Mykonos at about 5 pm, then return to Paros and Naxos.

I don't know anyone who does Delos only, but perhaps a private yacht hire would. Private yacht hire doesn't come cheap, though. Check around Naxos harbour and in island travel agencies.

kwren

Thanks Heimdall - I understood that you were just informing me of possibilities. It's making us think twice about the cruise, but now we can make an informed decision.

travelerjan - thanks for your island itinerary - we are definitely looking at that as well now. Santorini is a given for us. It's been a dream of mine to be there for a long time, but I would prefer to be looking at the sunset over the crowds instead of jostling to get a peek. Many people love it and I hope I do too.

Anyone have a recommendation for a hotel with great view of the caldera and September sunset in Oia? I see that hotels there are expensive but we like a splurge once and a while and this could be it. We've seen some $1000 rooms which I'd rather stay away from. Would $300 get us what we want? $500? I've been looking at a lot but would love to hear if anyone has a special place they love. Since nothing else is planned, we would start here and adjust the rest of the budget after.

If we could only pick one for a few days - Naxos or Paros? It looks like we can get to Delos and Mykonos on a day trip from either. What is anyone's opinion?

Gina_07

I have been to Santorini and Crete only. Loved both. I would do at least 8 days in Crete, preferably, 10 or more. We spent 3 full days in Santorini. It wasn't too much. We took our time and relaxed. I could stay longer if there was time.

travelerjan

Brotherleelove is our reigning expert and can give you several to choose from, but he does like you to give your range in Euros, because that's the usual currency. I'm not the Oia expert, because I like to regard the sunset from a terrace in Firostephani (NO crowds)... over the years I have discovered that the sun sets all along the coast of Santorini, beautiful in each area.

Via Naxos-Paros, I like both, but because it's september I would choose Naxos. On Paros folks like you often choose Naoussa, on the other end of the island from the port, as being the most picturesque -- but in September it may be getting tooo quiet. If u choose Naxos, you could enjoy an upscale hotel (Naxos Resort Beach is v. nice) overlooking the water, on St. George Beach, which directly adjoins the port town. Naxos Town in Sept still has a nice buzz, plenty going on, in a relaxed way. Its Agora (winding maze-like lanes) rises to top of the town where there's a splendid Venetian castle AND a tiny superb museum, which has more of those amazing pre-history marble statues than anywhere else in the world. Also, Naxos is a very fertile island, and Sept I hear they have wine festivals during the grape harvest.